Frederick Douglass in Baltimore

"It is not that I love Maryland less, but freedom more." F. Douglass

Maryland’s African American history officially dates from 1634. The colonies’ initial black population probably came from Virginia but was quickly supplemented by sales directly from Africa, the first “documented” Africans arriving in 1642. More than most states Maryland’s stance on slavery was shaped by political events. In 1639 all slaves’ were stripped of legal rights and in 1664 the Maryland Assembly deemed the enslaved slaves for life. 

Slavery grew relatively slowly until the 1680s when, as a result of the involvement of white servants in Bacon’s Rebellion, it seemed better to expand slavery. Turner’s 1831 Virginia Rebellion led to the creation of more stringent laws regarding the rights of both free and enslaved blacks.

After the American Revolution the state’s economy began to focus on industry and technology and there was less need for agricultural slavery and slaves were rented out and competed with white workers. There were more free blacks in Baltimore than in any other Southern city and there were numerous black churches and support organizations. In 1850 more than 25,000 free blacks resided in Baltimore. Slavery was abolished in the new State Constitution on November 1, 1864 but coerced apprenticeship for blacks under 21 was allowed.

Into this world of urban slavery Douglass was sent, for the final time, after his escape attempt on April 2, 1836. His life is an example of the experiences of the enslaved and that of the country as a whole. Reconstructing his life and interpreting the lives of African Americans at the sites and through museum exhibits can be accomplished in a unique and provocative way in Baltimore. #visitbaltimore

Fells Point National Historic District’s first European documentation occurred in 1670 and it was referred to as Long Island Point. Quaker shipbuilder William Fell founded fells Prospect in 1726 and his son parceled and leased the land in 1763. The waterfront and port’s potential quickly led to the construction of warehouses, shipbuilding facilities, residences, retailers and taverns and its renaming to Fell’s Point. Ten years later it merged with Baltimore to become Baltimore Town. 

Fells Point is located within walking distance of the Baltimore Harbor on the Patapsco River and its cobblestone streets are lined with more than 300 edifices, many dating from the 1700s, in Federal and Victorian architectural style. Merchant Robert Long built what is now the oldest surviving home, in 1765. The restored home and garden are open for tours. The 1772 London Coffee House, the sole existing revolutionary-era coffee house in the country. Broadway Market was established in 1784 and continues to be the community’s core. 

Douglass was familiar with these same streets and structures in the area. At eight years old he was sent to Fells Point, Aliceanna & South Durham Streets, to work for Hugh Auld and here Mrs. Auld taught him to read. Her husband stopped her but Douglass devises ways to continue by getting white playmates to teach him. He purchased his first book, The Columbian Orator, in Nathaniel Knight’s shop at 28 Thames Street. In 1831 he joined Bethel A.M.E. Church.

 Douglass was returned to St. Michael’s as property in an inheritance. He was not sold after an attempted escape but was returned to Fells Point in 1836. He was apprenticed as a shipyard caulker and was severely beaten by whites because they resented the competition. One out of six shipyard workers at the time was African American.

Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park’s Douglass-Meyers Museum details his life as a child and youth in the shipyards through interactive exhibits. The museum also relates the story of America’s first black owned shipyard, the Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company. A bronze bust of Douglass and interpretive panels are on the exterior. 

The Reginald Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture interprets the history of     African Americans in Maryland through use of more than 11,000 documents and artifacts. Here the story of Douglass is told in its totality including objects and photographs. “Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake” is currently on view and individual dioramas and videos convey the stories of a representative group of freedom seekers from 1728-1864. Lewismuseum.org

Frederick met Anna Murray, born free of enslaved parents, in 1838. It is widely held that both her money and her sewing skills facilitated his escape. He set the date for September 3, 1838, dressed as a “blackjack”, a free black sailor, he pocketed a borrowed sailor’s protection pass as proof of his freedom even though the description did not match. He boarded a train bound for Philadelphia and reached New York the next day. On September 15^th he wed Anna in New York City. President Street Station is now the Baltimore Civil Rights Museum. The story of Douglass’ escape and the story of Henry “Box” Brown are exhibited on site. Once free Douglass always considered September 3, 1838 as the marker for his free life and celebrated it as his birthday. 

English supporters purchased Douglass freedom for $711.66,  $25,008.33 today, from Hugh Auld  in December 1846. The orator and abolitionist returned to Sharp Street Memorial Church, where       he had been a choir member, in 1864. He spoke on equal rights and personal dignity.  In 1892 he purchased land and built five rowhomes in Strawberry Row, 516-524, to be rented to African Americans. The homes are now known as Douglass Row on South Dallas Street. There is    a plaque on his former residence at 524.

The only wax museum dedicated to African American history is located in Baltimore. The                 National Great Blacks in Wax Museum begins with an interactive slave ship exhibit and guides    you through the history chronologically and galleries are thematic. A remarkable likeness of       Frederick Douglass in his political prime is on the main floor. Duck Duck Goose, 814 S. Broadway, is absolutely awesome and when in Baltimore it is not    to be missed. Chef Ashish Alfred puts a unique and personal twist on classic French brasserie    using the freshest ingredients and meticulous preparation. With chic ambience, creative décor,     optional patio setting and exemplary service dining here is a true gourmet experience.  www.ddgbaltimore.com

Baby’s on Fire is another of Fell’s Point singular restaurants. Breakfast and lunch are served all    day in and outside. It is adjacent to the Sound Garden, the city’s largest independent record shop,        is recognized by Rolling Stone as the country’s 2nd best  record store.   Ideally situated waterside on the harbor on Baltimore’s Recreation Pier sits the extraordinary    Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. The renovated pier reflects its history and architecture and    incorporates  superior service, artfully curated public spaces and plush accommodations with deluxe linens, bath products and harbor views. Trendy amenities include spa services, pool with private cabanas and bar and 24-hour exercise room. Pendryhotels.com/baltimore

Guinness Open Gate & Barrel House in Halethorpe, MD was selected as the site of the first purpose- built Guinness American brewery. It is on the site of a 90-year old barrel rickhouse and opened in 2017. Guests are invited to tour the facility, dine, shop and attend signature events. Curbside pick-up is available. The brewery is presenting its second annual Oktoberfest on two weekends, September 25-27 and October 2-4. guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com

                 

The wonders of Baltimore are only 90-minutes from Philadelphia. #visitMaryland             

 

 

 

Maryland, Frederick Douglass in Talbot County (Part One)

“I now resolved that, however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact.” F. Douglass 

 September is International Underground Railroad Month and nowhere is that history better preserved and presented more accurately than throughout the state of Maryland. This month Maryland is honoring the legacy of the freedom seekers and those who assisted them with a series of exhibitions, events, tours and walking and road trips, all designed to be both comprehensive and follow socially safe guidelines. 

The UGRR system can be defined as resistance to the institution of slavery through self-emancipation and escape. Escapes were frequent from the first years of slavery and indenture and the routes, because slavery existed throughout the colonies, were as widespread as Canada, Mexico and western Indian Territory. Because escape was an issue, in 1793 the first Fugitive Slave Law was instituted. It levied a $500 fine on any person resisting or interfering in recapture. In 1850 the second Fugitive Slave Law made it compulsory for citizens to assist in recapture or be fined or arrested. Frederick Douglass’ story is quintessentially one of the conditions of the enslaved, the fugitives and the freedman in the state. It is also the story of the UGRR and the determination of the freedom seekers, the use of disguises and guile, forms of transportation and the concentrated efforts of both black and white rescuers. 

The “Following in His Footsteps: Maryland’s Frederick Douglass Self-Driving Tour” relates his journey by tracing his path from birth through the cities that sculpted him into the man he would become. Because this article takes you chronologically through his life the sites in part one are along the Eastern Shore. www.visitmaryland.org/driving-tours/following-his-footsteps-marylands-frederick-douglass-driving-tour Frederick Augustus Bailey was born near Easton at Holme Hill Farm in 1818. He lived with his grandmother and last saw his mother in 1825, the probable year of her death. 

The tour begins at The Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe River near his birth site. A short path takes you to an outdoor gallery filled with markers that interpret his life and includes trails and river views. In 1878 Douglass returned to collect soil from this area as a memento. St. Michael’s was chartered in 1804 and is home to the 18-acre waterfront Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. It features historic buildings, exhibits and events and the featured Mitchell House. The left side of the relocated home is original and belonged to Eliza Bailey Mitchell, Douglass’ sister, her free husband Peter and two children. The exhibits within the house provide an overview of area slavery and Douglass personal experiences. cbmm.org 

Douglass was sent to St. Michael’s in 1833 to live with Thomas Auld in his store on the corner of Cherry and Talbot Streets. He established a secret Sabbath Day school for enslaved children and upon discovery was rented out as a field hand to the infamous slave breaker Edward Covey. Covey’s cruelty caused Douglass to fight back in August 1834, ultimately win, and never be beaten by him again. The site of the Covey Farm is on the road to Tilghman Island across from New St. john’s Church. 

The Dr. Dodson House Bed & Breakfast was the home of Auld’s daughter. Douglass visited the home as a guest in 1878. 200 Cherry St. 

 St. Michael’s Museum offers a monthly Frederick Douglass Walking Tour and features an exhibit, Frederick Douglass: His World 1818-1895. Call for information. 

The Civil War left many black Union soldiers rootless after separation from the service. In 1866 Quakers Ezekiel and John Cowgill gave 18 ex-soldiers plots of land for $1.00 annually. The men and their families settled in Cowgilltown, later renamed Unionville, and many descendants remain there. Their original church, St. Stephens A.M.E., is still active and the eighteen founders and members of Douglass’ family are interred in the churchyard. 

 In 1835 he became the field hand of William Freeland and on April 2, 1836 Douglass and several other slaves were jailed after another slave exposed a planned escape plot. They were walked 20-miles to be jailed in Easton. The jail is around the corner from the still active Talbot County Courthouse. The Frederick Douglass Statue on the courthouse lawn depicts him in 1878 as he delivered a speech in the main courtroom. Easton dates from 1659 and is at the heart of Talbot County. 

A free black community, The Hill, was established circa 1788 and an 11-stop tour relates their experiences throughout the centuries. In 1878 Douglass addressed gatherings at both 1818 Bethel A.M.E. and 1836 Asbury United Methodist Churches. Bethel continues to use the rostrum from which Douglass spoke. 

 The Tidewater Inn, 101 East Dover Street, was the site of the Hotel Avon when Douglass made his final visit to Talbot County in 1893. He stayed there during his visit. In 1944 the Avon burned down and three years later the Tidewater Inn was constructed. The Tidewater Inn offers luxury accommodations, Hunter’s Tavern, Terrasse Spa, free parking and WIFI. The staff is committed to the highest personal protective standards so that each guest can have peace of mind and enjoy their visit. Auld sent Douglass to Fell’s Point in Baltimore for the final time prior to his escape to freedom in 1836. Through both triumph and tragedy Douglass never lost his affection for the Eastern Shore. 

You can trace his journey and better understand the man, his motivations and the sheer beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, North America’s largest estuary. #visitMaryland 

 The sites listed are all within twenty-miles of each other, two hours from Philadelphia and the entire trip can be accomplished on a single tank of gas.

Rooms Where it Happened!

“Two Virginians and an immigrant walk into a room”  Hamilton

                  Hamilton, the Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer prize winning Broadway musical makes its streaming debut on Disney+ at midnight Pacific Time on July 3^rd. The musical will be aired in its entirety, with the original cast, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hamilton and Philadelphia-raised Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr. 

Act Two’s "The Room Where It Happens" is pivotal to the story, “When you got skin in the game, you stay in the game But you don’t get a win unless. you play in the game”,  and refers to a deal struck by Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson. The Compromise of 1790 led to the establishment of a federal capital on the shore of the Potomac and the assumption of the state’s Revolutionary War debts by the newly established government. Although this particular deal was not struck in Philadelphia the majority of the decisions regarding the new country were made in rooms in, what is now, the city’s historic district.

                  In 1773 twelve of the thirteen colonies sent delegates to Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia in response to the British blockade of Boston Harbor and the passage of the Intolerable Acts after the Boston Tea Party. Carpenter’s Hall meetings of the First Continental Congress began in September 1774 and delegates arrived, found lodgings and established alliances. The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall after the Revolutionary War started.  Once again delegates were lodged nearby and tenuous alliances were again established. Fifty-five representatives met in 1787 in the State House of Philadelphia. For the next four months a Constitutional Convention was held to frame a Constitution for the new government.  

Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson have entered the nation’s narrative as important figures in the founding of the United States as authors of significant documents. Philadelphia’s Historic District is known as the most important square mile in the country and a (masked) walk following in their footsteps, without the crowds, is possible during the pandemic. 

Dolley Madison was extremely influential during her time as First Lady and her story begins in Philadelphia. Dolley, a Quaker, and her first husband, lawyer John Todd, lived in a home on the corner of 4^th & Walnut Sts., from 1791-93. In 1793 Todd died of yellow fever leaving her a widow with a son. She attracted the attention of James Madison, 16 years her senior, and he courted her inside this house. They wed in 1794 and Madison was fourth president from 1809-17. When available free tours are one hour and timed tickets are offered at the Independence Visitor Center. 

Madison had only to walk two blocks from his residence at 429 Spruce Street to woo Dolley. After his marriage he and Dolley lived there from 1794-97. President Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution”, coauthor of the Federalist Papers and drafter of the First Twelve Amendments to the Constitution, later ten would become the Bill of Rights. During the Constitutional Convention he served on the Committee of Slave Trade. He died in 1836. This is a private residence.

                  Benjamin Franklin’s final residence, a living and working complex called Franklin Court, is located between 3^rd & 4^th & Market. His house was torn down in 1812 and later was replaced with a ghost frame, the B. Free Franklin Post Office, the only one in the country not to display a US flag, Printing Office and underground museum are also on the premises. His household, at one point, consisted of six slaves but later in life he became a staunch abolitionist and served as the President of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. 

                  Born in Nevis in the British West Indies, Alexander Hamilton rose to prominence quickly. He attended both the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention as well as serving as Washington’s personal secretary and aide-de-camp during the war. Hamilton was on the road to political success when he wed Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780.  He and his family lived at 226 Walnut Street from 1790-95 and It is in Philadelphia that he engaged in an affair that became public and basically halted his career. When his wife was away he had an affair with Maria Reynolds, a married woman. He never held another public position after 1800. His home is no longer there. 

                  On May 14, 1776 Thomas Jefferson, accompanied by his 14-year old enslaved valet Robert Hemings, brother of Sally, arrived in Philadelphia and lodged on Chestnut St. He required a quieter place so he moved to 7^th & Market St. to a  3-story brick 1775 Georgian house owned by Jacob Graff. He rented two rooms on the second floor, a parlor and bedroom, and here he drafted the Declaration of Independence. The house is  furnished  on the second floor. An exhibit and film on the first floor include information on the excised slavery clause. Jefferson and Hemings lived there until September 3^rd.

                  Negotiations were often held over good food and fine wine and the 18^th-century City Tavern filled the bill. In 1772 fifty-three citizens commissioned the construction of a tavern befitting the city with five accommodations, three dining rooms and a ballroom. It opened in December of 1773 and a recreation continues to serve visitors today. The tavern was the unofficial meeting place and functioned for three days as the Continental Army’s headquarters. Reservations are recommended. 138 S. 2^nd St.

Independence Hall is the focal point of Independence National Historical Park. Originally known as the PA State House this Georgian structure was constructed from 1732-56, renovated in 1830 and restored in 1950 to its late 1800s appearance. It functioned as Philadelphia’s City Hall until 1870. It is largely furnished with reproductions, originals burned during the British occupation 1777-8, but it does exhibit the silver inkstand used to sign the Declaration and the 1779 “Rising Sun” chair used by Washington during the Constitutional Convention. The adjacent Congress Hall was constructed in 1787. The House met on the first floor and the Senate on the second. Within the complex’s walls Washington’s second inauguration and John Adams first, the American flag was designed in 1777 and the founding documents were ratified. 5th & Chestnut St. 

Washington and Adams resided in a 1767 mansion at 6^th & Market Streets when Philadelphia was the nation’s capital from November 1790 to June 1800 Washington lived there along with his family and nine enslaved workers. Adams owned no slaves. Washington rented the house and added a servant’s hall and a bow window and  expanded the stables. His office was on the second floor. Visitors can walk through rooms outlined on the ground with minimalist walls. Each room details stories of the enslaved residents. 

 

Trip Tip:

While tracking the Founding Fathers be safer by using “Gloves in a Bottle” for your hands. This protectant is wonderful for sensitive skin, contains +SPF15 sunscreen and is a vegan shielding lotion that. actually bonds with your skin to form a barrier to retain natural oils. It hypoallergenic and does not wash off easily and should be reapplied between 4 to 12 hours. 

 

Opening Up America amidst Travel’s New Normal

The U.S. travel industry has emerged as one of the hardest hit industries in the country. Prior to the pandemic travel produced a $2.6-trillion profit and created 15.8-million jobs across the industry. As of the end of April, 8-million jobs have been lost and projections estimate that the total effect of the economic loss will be nine times that of 9/11. In anticipation of the lifting of restrictions and a greater resumption of travel across the country, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the White House have collaborated with individuals in both the public health sector and all phases of the travel industry to establish guidelines for safe and sustainable travel going forward.

The guidelines have two main priorities. A primary focus is the public health of employees and visitors. An equally important goal is to reestablish custumers’ confidence in their ability to travel in both a healthy and safe manner with appropriate COVID-19 preventive measures securely in place. The document, "Travel in the New Normal”, states that without implementation of these guidelines it will be impossible to jumpstart the travel industry and the portion of the economy that it supports. It is crucial that businesses restructure basic operations and restyle public areas to ensure the ability to social distance and additionally limit employee and client contact.

Touchless technology should be the standard to prevent the transmission of the virus through use of key pads, ticketing, cell phones, etc.

Hand sanitation stations should be readily available containing products that meet federal standards. Thorough disinfecting procedures should be regularly scheduled with special attention paid to high use areas and items. Employees must be properly trained to carry out the disinfecting process.

Staff health screenings should be readily available and ongoing and employees exhibiting symptoms should be isolated. Information regarding client health resources should be readily available.

Food and beverage services should adhere to best practices guidelines. Options such as online ordering, curbside pick-up and general delivery options should be offered.

The re-opening of the travel industry is a joint venture between the travelers and venues. It is the responsibility of both parties to ensure their mutual well-being. All parties must be knowledgeable  of the medical guidelines and follow them in order to ensure the health of everyone involved.

These guidelines are not static. Information will be updated frequently based on the prevailing and emerging scientific discoveries and new data. Consumers should always check to confirm that these guidelines are followed by businesses when traveling. The most current resources and information on COVID-19 can be found at www.ustravel.org/ReliefResources

Sofa Sojourner’s Virtual Tours of UNESCO Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are chosen based on their outstanding value to humanity and at least one of ten additional criteria.  whc.unesco.org/en/criteria

                  

Why sofa sojourns? There are several reasons for traveling from the comfort of your sofa. These visual forays allow us to explore places around the world, reminisce about former trips, learn about new ones and plan for the time when we can all travel again. Additionally, these edutourism adventures are a great learning tool for use in homeschooling. Based on the listed sites you can develop lessons and take virtual field trips. Many of the locations have a link for teaching materials to enhance the learning experience. thoughtco.com/new-seven-wonders-of-the-world-printables-1832308

Google Expedition

edu.google.com/products/vr-ar/expeditions/?modal_active=none

Google Expeditions was designed to create an  immersive experience that easily blends with classroom activities. There are more than 900 VR expeditions from which to choose and all materials needed to embark on these sojourns are listed on the website. 

The Pyramids of Egypt

3dmekanlar.com/en/the-pyramids.html

openculture.com/2020/03/take-a-3d-tour-through-ancient-giza-including-the-great-pyramids-the-sphinx-more.html

            The Great Pyramid, Khufu’s Pyramid, was the culmination of 400-years of development of construction technique. The earliest form of pyramid was a box-shaped, smooth-sided mud brick tomb (mastaba) built circa 3000 B.C. The Great Pyramid, situated on the Giza Plateau, consists of over 2-million stone blocks weighing from 2.5 to 15-ton base stones. The greatest difference in length of the 4 sides is 2-inches. It was a royal tomb built in the belief that the spirit of the pharaoh would ascend to the after-life from the pyramid’s apex. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to survive and in 1979 was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. whc.unesco.org/en/list/86

The Sphinx

sites.google.com/site/ancientegyptiantour/virtual-tour-of-the-sphinx

                  The Sphinx was constructed around 2500 B.C. It is 66-ft. high and was carved from the natural stone with rocks added around the base. It faces the rising sun and is 20-ft. in length. A temple is between its paws and bits of the original color can be seen near one ear. The nose was removed around the 8^th-century and the royal beard is now in the British Museum. 

The Roman Coliseum

artsandculture.google.com/story/colosseum/WQLi5E4TA1p9IQ

                  The  620 by 513-ft. Roman Coliseum was completed around 70 CE and was financed by the Flavian emperors. It was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater but it is believed it became commonly recognized as the Coliseum because it was located near a colossal statue of Emperor Nero. The opening games were 100 days long and were overseen by Emperor Titus. The amphitheater was located adjacent to a ludus, a gladiator training school with passages that led to the arena. Animal and human contests were held and it is estimated that 1-million animals were killed in the arena. Animals were admitted through 30 trap doors. Up to 70,000 people were issued pottery tickets for the free games, paid for by the wealthy or the emperor. The emperor had a special box, slaves stood and others were seated by class. There were internal corridors and 80 arched entrances facilitating a 10-minute clearance of the entire arena. Listed as a UNESCO site in 1980.

The Tower of London

youvisit.com/tour/meadk/107254

William the Conqueror began work on the Tower of London in 1077 and completed it 20-years later. Erected to guard the entrance to London, It was a wooden fortress until it was replaced by stone. The 18-acre complex has functioned as several things including a royal residence and prison for enemies of the state. The most visited sites are Traitor’s Gate, the Crown Jewels, The Tower Ravens and the Tower Green. The Traitor’s Gate was where prisoners were brought by boat. The Crown Jewels include the 530-carat Star of Africa, the world’s largest diamond, as part of the Royal Sceptre. Legendarily a minimum of six ravens are tended by a Beefeater, the Ravenmaster. It is said that should they desert the tower the kingdom will fall. The Tower Green was the site of royal executions, among them, Queens Anne Boleyn(1536) and Catherine Howard(1542) and Sir Thomas More (1534). Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned in the tower from 1603-1605. The Tower was inscribed by UNESCO in 1988. whc.unesco.org/en/list/488

The Island of Gorée in Africa

youtube.com/watch?v=-F8onkJcM0Q

            Gorée Island was discovered in 1444 by  Denis Dias. Situated just 2.2-miles off Senegal’s coast, the 69-acre island provided an accessible harbor and was strategically located between the continents and from 1536 until 1848 was the largest slave-trading center on the African Coast. During those years control passed from one European nation, Portuguese, French, English and Dutch, to another. Documents prove that from 1763-75 over 103,000 Africans were transported from Gorée, giving some indication of how many Africans were taken from the area. The only remaining House of Slaves was constructed by the Dutch in 1776. The top floor was living and working space for the Europeans and the lower level was used to house slaves in crowded conditions. Slaves wore 11-lb manacles to hamper any runaways and ensure that they would drown if they attempted to escape by sea. Young women were confined to a cell where traders chose among them for their sexual pleasure. Other rooms housed men, women and children with a small dark room for the rebellious among them. The House of Slaves Museum is dedicated to interpreting the African experience as a captive. The Door of No Return is the major attraction. The enslaved were funneled through the door to waiting boats for the voyage that would separate them from their family, their home and their country. The island has been a UNESCO site since 1978.